SIÚCRA: Here Among Strangers

Siúcra

Here Among Strangers

© 2002 Siúcra (783707535128)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

"Sweetness never packed so much spank," Westword wrote of this superb irish traditional trio.

tracks

1 The Strands of Magilligan
2 Charlie Harris'/Three Steps Forward/The Torn Jacket
3 Lovely Annie
4 P Stands for Paddy
5 Piper's Despair/The Earl's Chair/Richard Dwyer's
6 Maeve's Grave
7 The Anniversary Reel
8 Only for Barney/Handsome Young Maidens
9 Peggy-O
10 Winter in Craughwell
11 Pulling Hard Against the Stream
12 High Reel/Paddy Fahy's/Cottage in the Grove
13 The White Birds
14 One Last Cold Kiss

notes

"Here Among Strangers," the 2002 release from Boston-based trio Siucra is a superb collection of traditional Irish songs and tunes, expertly arranged and performed by Beth Leachman (vocals, bodhran), Shannon Heaton (flute, whistle, backing vocals) and Matthew Heaton (guitar, backing vocals).

Scott Alarik of the Boston Globe wrote, "The music is pulsing and vibrant, yet warmly embraces the sweet simplicity of classic Irish melody and lyric sentiment."

Siucra means 'sugar' in Irish Gaelic. Of Siucra's first record, "a place i know," Acoustic Guitar magazine said, "Siucra is full of hot musicianship, confidence and unstoppable energy. A five-piece band would be hard-pressed to match the amount of music these three musicians produce."

Though the band is no longer touring, "Here Among Strangers" remains Siucra's tour-de-force, chock full of strong, meaty material, bursting at the seams with sweet melodic interjections. The first track, "Strands of Magilligan" opens with a mighty guitar and bodhran groove, which not only sets the stage for the first song, but for the entire album. Alongside vocal, flute and whistle lines which weave seamlessly through each track, the guitar and bodhran add depth and rhythmic punch.

As for the individual performances, all three musicians deliver solid, jubilant instrumental and vocal work. Beth's vocals have been described by Dirty Linen magazine as "passionate and self-assured." She demonstrates her spectacular control in the up-tempo "Strands of Magilligan," and in her own composition "Maeve's Grave." Beth demonstrates her love of old-style traditional singing in the a capella "Pulling Hard Against the Stream," and her harmonies blend warmly with Matthew and Shannon's vocals in Siucra's rich, progressive arrangement of "P Stands for Paddy." The CD ends with a slow, mournful performance of "One Last Cold Kiss" taking the listener through otherworldly landscapes.

Shannon's "stunningly bright and accurate" (Acoustic Guitar) flute-playing drives the full-steam ahead reels "Charlie Harris'," and shimmers in the loping jigs "Only for Barney." She contributes two of her own compositions, a moody slow tune called "The Anniversary Reel" and "Winter in Craughwell," a waltz with a strong, hearty feel. Adding another layer to the strong melodic foundation Shannon sets on flute, Shannon plays a funky set of reels on the low whistle, imparting a distinctly urban vibe to a set of traditional tunes. And throughout the songs, her flute and whistle playing melts effortlessly into each arrangement.

Guitarist Matthew once again "nails it all down with his powerful, textured playing" (Acoustic Guitar). His trademark rhythmic punch is a driving force behind the tempo shifting "High Reel" set, and he settles into a funky groove for the "Piper's Dispair." His song accompaniments are at times subtle, at other times aggressive, always thoughtful and never predictable. Using a variety of styles, He exhibits a broad palatte for the song arrangements, from the driving "Peggy-O" to the gentle waltz of "Lovely Annie"; from the hypnotic ostinato in "Maeve's Grave" to the fingerpicked Americana of "One Last Cold Kiss" Matthew delivers an artful and adventurous performance.

"Here among strangers" was recorded at Akashic studios, in the mountains west of Boulder, Colorado. The new CD is a satisfying listen from start to finish, expertly engineered by Prasanna Bishop.

reviews

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  • Energetic Celtic Folk!
    author: Michael Dugas

    Fun, upbeat, great vocals and insrumentals. Highly recommended. Favorite track: 9) Peggy-O

  • The music is fantastic!
    author: Miss Cat Lee

    This Cd is awesome, I fell in love in the first hearing.. "Here among Strangers" is one the greatest Cd I have heard in a long time.Music and vocals are in a balance and the songs make me feel good. So all I could say, this is just fantastic! I wonder have their ever visit in Finland:-)

  • Magnificent CD! Truly one of the very best!
    author: David Tomer

    The instrumental tracks are full of verve & energy, great tunes selection, those tracks just make me want to dance!!! (which I do...Irish dance!) The flute just pulsates like a stream, the guitar pumps the whole thing full of fire, and the bodhran in this case really is the heartbeat that moves you. And while generally I'm not a big fan of vocal tracks, Siucra has won me over, man those tunes are catchy and sung with so much passion and true emotion I can't help but be deeply touched. You guys ROCK!!! I really hope you put out another CD!

  • Attention Grabbing Stuff
    author: Rich

    So I visited CDBaby to buy my very first traditional Celtic album, and ended up with this one. What a find! Simple... intimate... and well mastered. Makes you feel like the three of them are right in front of you. Beth's voice is heavenly, and would probably sound even more lovely in Gaelic. Both the vocal tracks and instrumental tracks are gripping. Shannon's playing absolutely soars through the clouds. Give it a try, even if you don't own any other traditional celtic music.

  • Beautiful Album!
    author: Johnny, NC

    I am a huge fan of this type of music, and Siucra does it wonderfully on this album. It wonderfully takes you to another place the moment it reaches your ears. It's simply amazing! If you want to lie down and imagine you're sitting atop the rolling hills of Ireland, buy this album.... no, buy two or three copies!

  • Wow. I'm stunned.
    author: Gretchen Alder

    This is a beautiful album of absolutely stunning music. And while I'm not picky about the genre of the music I listen to--usually--I'm very picky about the musicianship of the artists. This trio is talented and polished, and their love of the music is illustrated in every note, every phrase. Much, MUCH better than I expected when I ordered it. I can absolutely see several of the tracks being used in films. Keep up the good work, Siucra, I'll be looking for the next one!

  • The real item
    author: John Hamilton

    What a find. Please, please record again soon.

  • Excellent!!!
    author: Colin

    This has to be one of the best music purchases I have made in the past ten years. Here Among Strangers is a joy to hear, whether among strangers or not!

  • excellent
    author: james

    this is an excellent album,this trio could play alongside the best of the irish groups i have heard -living in ireland i have heard most of them - flute,guitar vocals - perfect

  • One of the best CDs I've heard in a while
    author: Philip Smith

    Really really good. Great flute playing, very interesting guitar playing, and wonderful singing. The singer def. rates up there with the current jet set, Karen Casey, Cathy Jordan etc. I like the guitar a lot, and some of the song interpretations are just wonderful...

  • Wonderful lively miusic
    author: Steven Kohler

    I was refered to this group by CD Baby website, and they were spot on!

  • Absolutely Fantastic
    author: Christopher Anthony

    This CD is fabulous and compares very favorably with Dervish and other traditional celtic bands. From the first song, it sweeps you into another world and doesn't let go until long after the last note has faded. I cannot recommend this album enough.

  • It's hard to believe this group is not Irish.
    author: Marjorie Smith

    I particularly enjoyed the letter telling me of CD Baby's sending the CD. It was hilarious (and I'll bet you say that to all the girls.) It was worth ordering the lovely Irish album.

  • Fine album from a great Celtic-style ensemble
    author: Stu Burns

    This is a great album by a near-ideal ensemble of Irish-style musicians. As on their previous album, "A Place I Know", Shannon's flute playing displays an impeccable sense of melody which jibes perfectly with the steady yet energetic rhythm harmonies of her husband Matthew's guitar. This mix is solidly undergirded by the Beth's excellent bodhran playing, surprisingly so given the usually lackluster performance of most singer-percussionists. Further, Beth's voice is as beautiful as her smile and captures the qualities of Irish music without the affectation of an accent that, unlike some less gifted American "poseurs", she wisely eschews. All in all, "Here Among Strangers" is a must-buy for fans of Celtic music. The only knock against it is that it does not capture the energy and optimism that carried "A Place I Know", which is now sadly out of print.

  • Really, really great Irish folk music
    author: Charlie Brenner

    This CD is just plain wonderful. The flute and guitar are both peerless, and the singing is beautiful. A good balance of songs and tunes completes a near-perfect album.

  • author: Seamus Gallagher

    Fans of Solas and modern celtic music lovers MUST listen to Suicra's "Here Among Strangers." This album blends both irish traditional melodies with a modern celtic flavor. The first time you hear this album, you will be hooked.

  • Siúcra takes Ireland by storm! Latch on for the ride!
    author: Mark Roupe

    I was lucky enough to hear Siúcra perform at the 2001 Weston (Mo)Music Fesitval and bought their "A Place I Know" CD. It is fantastic. Shannon Heaton's flute and tin whistle playing is the best I have heard in the states. I have also been to the west coast of Ireland and I have heard some of the greats play. She can play with the best of them. In their new CD "Here Among Strangers" you will get a great selection of songs and tunes. Their performances of "Lovely Annie" and "The Strands of Magilligan" are memorable. This group is on their way to the top. This is a buy.

  • Siucra exudes the humor, power, and pathos of trad. Irish music.
    author: Barb Biffle

    Only one experience can be better than owning and playing Siucra's latest CD, "Here Among Strangers", and that's seeing one of their concerts in person. It's great to see a group's hard work pay off and their musical presentations gain deserved appreciation on a larger scale. Here's hoping they'll continue producing such fine music for many years to come.

  • Dynamic, explosive Irish trad that will give your soul a tune-up! Love you guys!
    author: Tamara D. Turner

    From someone who lived in Galway studying Irish traditional music and who lived and breathed sessions, I am hopelessly in love with this album and am proud to rave about it and shove it into your hands. For anyone who has enjoyed the work of Dervish, Lunasa and even more acoustic groups like The Bothy Band, this is one you don't want to miss. Complete with sweet vocals (hence, "Siucra") and blood-boiling bodhran, fall in love with ol' Eireann again and Nár lagaí Dia do lámh!

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